Mold can become a messy problem after storm surge, flooding

Published 12:00 am, Tuesday, May 26, 2009

On the Gulf Coast, one of the most insidious effects of a hurricanes or flooding is mold, which quickly can turn your home into a toxic dump of unhealthy air.

Mold is part of the natural environment. It reproduces by tiny spores that float invisibly through the air. It can start growing indoors when spores land on surfaces that are wet.

There are many types of mold, and none will grow without water or moisture. Molds have the potential to cause health problems and produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins.

However, the scientific and medical literature contains differing opinions regarding the potential health impacts of exposure to mold.

The presence of mold in Southeast Texas is causing such a wave of litigation among several industries, including realtors, insurance, home builders and remodelers, property managers and even attorneys. What can you do?

Verify the extent of the problem. It could be fixed by stopping a plumbing leak and applying a mixture of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. However, it could be that home owners' insurance might help alleviate.
Moisture is the key to mold control. The more air-tight a home is, the better mold grows. Prevention tips include: Cleaning drip pans under air conditioning or heating units, not allowing your foundation to stay wet and fixing leaky pipes.
If the problem seems more serious, contact your insurance agent or carrier prior to committing to more expensive repairs. Coverage is determined by your policy. Not every mold problem is covered.
There is no health-based standard for mold, according to the NAHB.

What to watch for

* Take notice of musty odors and look for visible signs of mold and abate the moisture source.
* Perform building and HVAC inspections and routine maintenance.
* Vent clothes dryers to the outdoors.
* Keep the relative humidity as low as possible during the winter months.
* Clean and dry wet or damp areas within 48 hours.
* Repair water leaks as soon as possible.
* Consider a "mold" clause in rental agreements and sales contracts.